Programs Connects Youth, Educators with STEM OpportunitiesFRANKFORT, KY (May 29, 2018) – This July, four Kentucky students and two teachers will represent the Commonwealth in annual summer learning programs at Oak Ridge National Laboratory in Oak Ridge, Tennessee.
These residential learning programs offered through the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) aim to build enthusiasm for the STEM fields of science, technology, engineering and mathematics by connecting students and educators with world-class scientists.
Students and teachers from designated Appalachian counties submitted applications for the 2018 program to the Department for Local Government. DLG, an arm of the Office of the Governor that supports local officials and communities, led the review and selection of Kentucky’s applicants on behalf of ARC.
The students and educators chosen to attend the 2018 ARC/ORNL Summer STEM Programs are:
• Dakota Tiller, 11th-grade student at Metcalfe County High School
• Blake McCullah, 10th-grade student at Whitley County High School
• Karan Linkous, teacher at Metcalfe County High School
• Haridas Chandran, teacher at Belfry High School in Pike County
• Jeremiah Moore, seventh-grade student at Wurtland Middle School in Greenup County
• Austin Grote, seventh-grade student at Lee County Middle School
“STEM education is crucial for a healthy economy in Eastern Kentucky and throughout our Commonwealth,” Department for Local Government Commissioner Sandra K. Dunahoo said. “Careers in STEM require a sense of innovation, creativity and resourcefulness that naturally aligns with the spirit of Eastern Kentucky. I’m pleased that DLG could play a role in encouraging these young people to explore career opportunities they might not have previously considered while aiding in Gov. Bevin’s goal of Kentucky becoming the engineering and manufacturing hub of excellence in America.”
To be eligible for the programs, middle and high school students had to attend a public school in one of the ARC’s designated Appalachian counties, with strong consideration given to students who “show potential in math and/or science.”
The program will take place July 7-20 for high school students and teachers and July 15-20 for middle school students. Students will participate in lab time, conduct computer science technology research projects and more. Teachers will work with experts to develop STEM-related curriculum to take back to their classrooms.
To learn more about the Oak Ridge National Laboratory and other opportunities through the Department for Local Government, visit kydlgweb.ky.gov or call 502-573-2382.
